Digital Stereo Photographic System

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a complete system for three-dimensional (3D) (stereo) still photography in a digital format. This includes capturing the image or photo, viewing, printing and projecting it. Intermediate steps would include downloading images to a computer, editing, enhancing or modifying, saving, recording photo images to other storage medium, and the printing of still photos. This invention is a significant advancement of the traditional analog film stereo slides, in that the digital format will allow viewing of the image in the camera in 3D, prior to, during, immediately after exposure and at any other time after exposure. With significant computer processing capability after exposure in editing, enhancing, color correcting, adding text and art, the images are further improved. The system includes the ability to view mages, in 3D (stereo), in the camera, in a hand held viewer, on a computer screen on a standard television set as well as printed pairs or in anaglyph formats. The images can also be viewed with conventional digital projectors using conventional polarized glasses. The camera is also a significant advancement over the standard digital still cameras because it provides the three-dimensional image capture in a digital format. It also retains the full 2-dimensional capability of digital photography.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 11/818,519, filed on Jun. 13, 2007, and currentlyco-pending, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/813,052, filed by this inventor onJun. 13, 2006, and currently expired.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to digital photography. This inventionis more particularly, though not exclusively, useful as a stereoscopicdigital imaging camera and system to provide enhanced digital imagecapture and viewing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stereo photography was very popular in the world from the very beginningof photography. The stereoscope was invented in 1838. The earlieststereos were, mostly, made by commercial photographers, sold to thepublic and viewed with a hand held stereoscope. These devices are stillavailable in kit form and on the used market, but it is not the bestformat today. Personal stereo still photography was quite popular in the1950's, 1960's and some in the 1970's. Most cameras were 35 mm with twomatched lenses, separated by a distance approximately equal to humaneyes. Its popularity faded after the 1970's even though there arethousands of users yet today, some belonging to hundreds of stereocamera clubs throughout the world.

Stereo photography is extremely enjoyable as it adds a breathtakingdepth dimension and makes you feel like you are there, where the photowas taken. It makes a photo become alive. Good stereo brings out a rashof comments by viewers—Exciting! Stupendous! Colossal! Wow! This issuper! Really good! Cool! Ooh! I feel like I can reach out and touch it!This is great! Outstanding! Magnificent!

In light of the popularity of stereoscopic imaging and viewing, thepresent invention will reintroduce this phenomenal technique to theworld—in a significantly better and more enhanceable format, and withvastly improved viewing methods. It will also provide the extremelyimportant feature of immediate stereo viewing before and after exposureto instantly confirm that a satisfactory image was taken.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The digital stereo photographic system of the present invention is acomplete digital stereo photographic system consisting of new devicesand technology with components that include the camera, digital stereostill hand-held viewer, viewer attachment, computer view, hand-heldviewer, liquid crystal shutter glasses, projector and software forediting, adding text, adding audio, printing, slide bar, tripod, viewingglasses and a projector screen. The digital stereo photographic systemhas all of the features of a standard conventional still digital camera.The camera would have two identical lenses separated horizontally at adistance, which will provide a stereo effect. It also features twoviewing liquid crystal displays and dual internal charge coupleddevices. Left and right image pairs would be exposed simultaneously tothe CCDs yet show in the LCD screens and recorded onto a memory deviceas separate images. The two identical lenses may be retractable andextendable and may be linked together.

Other attributes include zoom, view finder, electronic viewer, an imagequality of at least 5 megapixels and preferably more. A memory format ofPEG or RAW may be produced, and exposure setting of automatic aperturepriority, shutter priority or manual, an automatic or manual, internalor external built in flash with a hot shoe providing for an externalflash device. The system of the present invention may accept any readilyavailable memory card, and powered by any type of battery or externalauxiliary power supply and input along with a SB port fro transferringinformation.

The unit also notes provisions to add audio before or after exposure.Controls include a power on/off button, capture mode selector dial,shutter button, focus/depth-of-field setup, zoom lever, audio button,navigator buttons, menu button, display button, delete button and imageselector. The view attachment is used to view the dual LCD screens in a3D format after exposure and capture. This device will also be used toview stereo pairs, in the camera or hand held viewer that have beensaved in a memory card. The photos may be viewed individually or in aslide show format.

The computer viewer is similar to the viewer attachment, except that itis specifically for viewing stereo images on a computer. These images tobe viewed would be side-by-side and approximately 5 inches wide each.The hand held viewer is used to view digital stereo pairs in 3dimensions. If consists of the viewer attachment and a dual LCD device.Liquid crystal shutter glasses for viewing 3D images on a computerscreen prints or a standard TV will be included with the system of thepresent invention. These are used in conjunction with standardtelevision sets and computer monitors. Software to create the VHS or DVDis included as part of the system of the present invention. The LiquidCrystal Shutter glasses are shaped like and worn as eyeglasses. A stereoprojector is needed to project stereo stills on a screen for viewing bylarge audiences. The projector would be a dual projector system, or twostandard digital projectors with unique characteristics for stereo.

Controls and software for photo selection and slide show characteristicsare included. In-camera software would be provided to support allconventional digital camera functions, and stereo related function.Software for editing still photos would be similar to existingprofessional level photo editing software. General editing will beconducted on one image, but simultaneously recorded on the other image,whether visible on the computer screen or not. Further adjustments wouldbe performed manually in a 3d view by use of the keyboard. Software forprinting photos would be similar to existing professional level photoediting software. The photographic images are processed in the normalway and using the included software. Any standard DVD player or VCR whenequipped with a 3D TV Box would be used to play the 3D images on a TV.Software for creating the slide show and copying to VHS or DVD isincluded.

A slide bar would be used for hypo stereo and hyper stereo photos. Itmay have a tripod attachment insert on the bottom and a cameraattachment on the top for interfacing with these items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent to those skilled in the art after considering thefollowing detailed description in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference numerals designate like partsthroughout, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the three dimensional photographing device (camera)from the rear/top/right point of view;

FIG. 2 illustrates the three dimensional photographing device (camera)from the front/top/left point of view;

FIG. 3 illustrates the viewer attachment. When attached to the camera orthe hand held viewer the scenes or captured scenes are viewed inthree-dimensions (stereo);

FIG. 4 illustrates the hand held viewing apparatus used to view capturedphotos and slide shows;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation and flow ofinformation in the camera set-up mode;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation and flow ofinformation in the camera capture mode;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operation and flow ofinformation in computer editing/viewing mode;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the operation and flow ofinformation in the camera and hand held viewer viewing mode;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the operation and flow ofinformation in the TV viewing mode;

FIG. 10 illustrates the stereo projection mode;

FIG. 11 illustrates the LCD displays of the camera in the Depth of Field(DOF) view; and

FIG. 12 illustrates the LCD displays of the camera in the Photo view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The digital stereo photographic system of the present invention is acomplete digital stereo photographic system consisting of new devicesand technology as identified below. In order to facilitate thediscussion of the present invention, the various parts and componentsare generally listed in the following paragraph, and more fullydescribed in subsequent paragraphs.

The Digital Stereo Photographic System would consist of the followingmajor components:

I. Camera, Digital Stereo Still (also a hand-held viewer)

II. Viewer Attachment

III. Computer Viewer

IV. Hand-held viewer

V. Liquid Crystal Shutter glasses

VI. Projector

VII. Software for editing, adding text, adding audio, printing, etc.

VIII. Digital Video Disc (DVD) Player and Video Cassette Recorder (VCR)

IX. Accessories:

-   -   Slide bar    -   Tripod    -   Viewing glasses    -   Projector screen

I. Camera, Digital Stereo Still

The stereo digital still camera, also known as a 3D camera has all ofthe standard features of a conventional digital still camera, includingbut not limited to the following:

Date and time recording

Exposure and aperture data

Image stabilization

Instant review

Image Deletion

Selective review

Slide show features

Movie picture mode (Video)

Macro mode

Resolution selection

Sensitivity (ISO) selection

Time-lapse exposure

Self-timer

Histogram presentation

Auto power off at selected time

Capture mode selection

The camera has two identical lenses separated horizontally. Any distancewill provide a stereo effect, but since the eyes are about 234 inches(center-to-center) this will be the norm and most realistic. It also hastwo viewing Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screens separated byapproximately 2.50 inches (center-to-center) on the back side and dualinternal Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs). Left and Right Image pairs wouldbe exposed simultaneously to the CCDs, shown in the LCD screens,identified with a number followed by an L or R, for left or right, andrecorded onto a memory device as separate images. Photos would be viewedin the camera with the unaided eye or more easily with the viewerattachment described below.

Lenses—Two identical, with linked iris, shutter, etc. and a short focallength to provide maximum depth of field and a wide angle of view. Forcompactness, the lenses may be retractable/extendable and may be linkedtogether.

Zoom—3× optical or more.

Viewfinder—Optical, centered and linked to zoom (non-stereo).

Electronic Viewer—Matched LCD screens approximately 2 inches by 2 inchesand spaced horizontally approximately 2.5 inches center-to-center,daylight compatible, high resolution.

Image quality—At least 5 megapixels for each CCD, 10 or more isdesirable.

Resolution per exposure—Resolution and pixel size selectable from themenu. Sizes up to the maximum with the following height to width ratios4×5, 4×6, 5×7, 1×1, and the standard film stereo camera ratio 24×23 anduser custom selection.

Memory format—JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and RAW,selectable from menu

Image selection—Selectable from the menu: Left only, right only or bothimages for exposure (both would be the default). This feature is used intaking hyper-stereo photos (lenses much farther apart than the norm) andoften used for distant subjects to give greater depth and used in takinghypo-stereo photos (lenses closer together from the norm), often usedfor close-up subjects to make the depth more realistic. After exposingthe first image, the user would switch to the other side, and move thecamera the appropriate distance. The first image would remain visible inthe LCD and the second image to be captured would be visible in theother LCD allowing precise alignment. In addition, more than oneseparation can be tried by selecting this option from the menu. In thiscase, the first image exposed will be visible in the LCD and the camerarepositioned for the second image, Both techniques require the use of aslide bar mounted on a tripod or other means of varying the lensseparation for each photo.

Exposure—Selectable from the menu: Automatic, aperture priority, shutterpriority, or manual (Automatic would be the default).

Flash—Selectable from the menu: Automatic or manual, internal orexternal. A flash is built in and centered. A hot shoe is incorporatedon the top center providing for an external flash device. Red-eyereduction option would be included in the menu.

Memory Card—Compact Flash Type I and Type II and Microdrive capabilityor equivalent.

Power—Battery, AA size (rechargeable) is recommended. External auxiliarypower supply and input to camera also included.

Audio—The camera includes provisions to add audio, for each photo pair.The length of time is selectable in the menu with a default of 20seconds. Capability for audio can be added before or after exposures bypressing an audio control button and following instructions on an LCDmonitor. Audio added prior to exposure would be included with the nextexposure. After exposure, while viewing the selected image in an LCDmonitor, the audio would be added to the selected image. Audio can alsobe added to any image by a computer

Exemplary Camera controls, as shown in FIG. 1:

-   -   1. Power on/off button—Activates camera and extends lens's    -   2. Capture mode selector dial—Selects the following modes: 3D (3        Dimensional Stereo), 2D (2 Dimensional), movie (moving images up        to 30 seconds or more), night (dark scenes), filtered (color        filters including black and white, sepia, red, green, blue and        yellow). All in 3D except 2D mode.    -   3. Shutter button—An initial half-way press will enable the        Photo or Capture View on both LCDs (see FIG. 12 for a typical        configuration) activate focus and set other functions. A pair of        red brackets and the aperture/shutter speed will be also shown        on one LCD (can be both). When ready for exposure, the red        brackets will change to green and move closer together. This        view will stay on for several seconds unless the DOF lever is        moved, after the half-way press is released. Final pressing the        shutter button will expose the images.    -   4. Focus/Depth-of-Field (DOF)—Selectable in Setup—Automatic        Only, DOF Only or Auto/DOF. In the Auto/DOF mode, the focus        would be automatic as described above, with DOF manual override.        To engage the DOF feature—after the shutter button is pressed        half-way and the Photo View is present, move the depth-of-field        lever to enable the DOF view (See FIG. 1 for a typical        configuration). A range scale will appear on an LCD or both)        screen showing distance from camera scale range (near zero to        infinity) and adjacent to that, a sliding depth-of-field bar        showing the range of sharp focus with a red line for the focus        distance—move the lever up or forward to move the depth-of-field        bar up, or move the lever down to move the depth-of-field down        or closer. As the depth-of-field bar moves slowly, the range        scale and the red line focus depth would move in the opposite        direction a little faster. The dimensions of the range would be        feet/inches or metric (selectable in Setup) and arranged in a        logarithmic order with infinity approximately at the 100-foot        level. The depth-of-field range would be calculated by the        internal software. The depth-of field range is a function of        aperture, focal length and focus distance. In the Auto Only        mode, the DOF lever would serve no function, and must be used in        the DOF Only mode.    -   5. Zoom lever—Moving this lever would zoom the lens for detail        inspection or a closer viewing aspect.    -   6. Audio button—Initial press of the button will enable the        audio function and show “AUDIO ENABLED—PRESS TO START” in an LCD        screen. Pressing the audio button again will start the recording        and show, on the LCD monitor, a countdown of the remaining time.        After recording, “PRESS TO PLAY AUDIO” will show on the LCD and        pressing the button again will play the audio. The play audio        function will remain enabled for 10 seconds,    -   7. Navigator buttons—Four way navigation buttons with center OK        button.    -   8. Menu button—Pressing this button will bring up the menu.        Navigation will be by the Navigator Buttons.    -   9. Display button—Pressing this button will show image number,        date/time of exposure, and battery condition. Pressing this        button again will add other details, including a histogram,        aperture, shutter speed, recorded pixels, quality level, white        balance, AE metering, and ISO speed    -   10. Delete button—Pressing the button will enable the delete        function and show “DELETE CANCEL” on the LCD. The word CANCEL        will be highlighted. For protection against accidental erasure,        the navigation button must be used to highlight the word DELETE,        and then pressing the center button will delete the captured        photo.

Interfaces for the digital stereo photographic system of the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, the following:

-   -   Auxiliary power input from included power supply    -   USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to send and receive all data to        and from a computer    -   Audio/Video output to send signals to a VCR, DVD or TV set for        recording or viewing. This video would be two-dimensional only.    -   Memory card

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and its exemplaryconfiguration, is described as follows:

The camera will have a width of approximately 63 inches and a depth ofapproximately 15 inches, with lenses extended. A grip (extending forwardabout and inch from the main body) on the right side would house thebatteries and the memory card. The power on/off button (1) and thecapture mode selector dial (2) would encircle the on/off button. Theshutter button (3) would be on the top and at the rear position of thegrip (thumb operated). The focus/depth-of-field lever (4) to be on thetop-aft position of the grip (thumb operated). The zoom lever (5) wouldencircle the audio button. The audio button (6) would be on top and atthe forward position of the grip. A device such as standard four-buttonswitch or a toggle switch (7) would be located on the back of the cameraright hand side (clear of the viewer) to control the image access,selection and navigation. A center button would be the OK or SELECTbutton. Other buttons would include menu (8), display (9), and delete(10). (See FIGS. 1 and 2 for a typical configuration.)

II. Viewer Attachment

This device would be used to easily view the dual LCD screens in a 3Dformat for composition, depth, color, etc. of the photo being taken andfor viewing after exposure. The camera can be used without thisattachment. Images can be viewer with the unaided eyes in 2D or in 3D byparallel viewing with both eyes. The viewer would attach to the back ofthe camera or the hand held viewer easily and securely forming a lighttight compartment, (except for the lenses). It is consists of twolenses, with focal lengths as needed to view the LCDs. Adjustments toinclude 1) simultaneous focus of both lenses and a micro focus of onelens (to match user eyes) and 2) interocular, the distance between thelenses from about 2.3 to 2.8 inches (nominal distance to be the same asthe center-to-center distance of the LCD). An adjustment lock featuremay be advisable. The design would be compatible with the eyes and noseof the user. (See FIG. 3 for a typical configuration.) There is noelectronics in this device.

This device will also be used to view stereo pairs, in the camera orhand-held viewer, that have been saved in a memory card. The photos maybe viewed individually or in a slide show format. Ability to selectphoto(s) for viewing or a slide show is included in the internalsoftware of the camera and the hand held viewer.

III. Computer Viewer

This device would be similar to the viewer attachment above, except itwould be specifically for viewing stereo pairs on the screen of acomputer. The images to be viewed would be side by side andapproximately 5 inches wide each. The viewing lens' would be similar tothe viewer attachment except for focal length and with an additionalwedge lens, if needed, to compensate for the larger image. Stereo imagescan also be viewed on the computer screen by conventionalmeans—parallel, cross-eyed, shutter glasses or anaglyph.

IV. Hand-Held Viewer

This device is to be used to view digital stereo pairs in 3D without thecamera. It consists of two parts—the viewer attachment as describedabove and a dual LCD device as follows: (See FIG. 4 for a typicalconfiguration.)

The dual LCD device would be similar to the back of the camera with thedual LCD viewing screens and the viewer attaching feature. Memory cardslot would be included. Viewing software would be the same as in thecamera. Similar to the camera, a device such as standard four-buttonswitch or a toggle switch would be located on the back of the viewerright hand side (clear of the viewer attachment) to control the menuaccess, selection and navigation. A center button would be the OK orSELECT button. Ability for selecting photos and slide showcharacteristics would be included in the software. Audio added to imageswould play as the image is displayed.

The viewer would be powered the same as the camera, i.e. any type ofbattery, however AA batteries (rechargeable) is recommended. Externalauxiliary power supply and input to camera is included. An on/off buttonwould enable the viewer.

Interfaces would be similar to the camera, for instance:

-   -   Auxiliary power input from included power supply    -   USB (Universal Serial Bus) port to send and receive all data to        and from a computer    -   Audio/Video output to send signals to a VCR, DVD or TV set for        recording or viewing. This video would be two-dimensional only.    -   Memory card

V. Liquid Crystal Shutter Glasses

This device is considered an excellent viewing medium for multipleviewers. It would be used in conjunction with standard television (TV)sets and computer monitors. These devices are currently on thecommercial market and are readily available. Digital photographic stereoimage pairs would be recorded on a video tape (VHS), or digital videodisc (DVD). Software to create the VHS, or DVD in ones computer isincluded as part of the system. The left and right image signals wouldbe transmitted to the TV alternating between left and right images andsynchronized with the shutter glasses.

The Liquid Crystal Shutter (LCS) glasses are a device shaped like andworn as eyeglasses (can be worn over regular glasses). When the stillimages or the video is played by a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) or aDigital Video Disc (DVD) player, an infrared signal is sent to the LCSto alternately block vision in the left or right eye synchronous withthe respective right or left signal. This is commonly called PFS(page-flipped stereo).

VI. Stereo Projector

This device is needed to project stereo stills on to a screen forviewing by large audiences. The projector would be a dual (stereo)projector system or two standard Digital projectors with the followingunique characteristics for stereo:

Inputs would come from the camera, hand held viewer or a computer via aUSB connection. Software for photo selection and slide showcharacteristics are included.

The projector lenses would include interlocked zoom capability. Keystoneprotection would be desirable. The projection path would include apolarized filter with the left filter rotated 45 degrees from verticalpolarization, and the right filter rotated in the opposite to 45 degreesfrom the vertical. Circular polarization may also be used.

Alignment controls would be desirable: 1. Leveling for the projector; 2.Simultaneous focus for the lenses (plus one lens with manual micro focusadjustment for matching both lenses); 3. Vertical adjustment of one orboth lenses if necessary; 4. Horizontal adjustment of one or both lensesif necessary and 5. Vertical tilt of the projector.

Brightness: The projector would have maximum brightness, because of theloss of light through the polarized filters. Polarized glasses will beworn by the viewer to separate the stereo images left and right.

VII. Software

A. In-Camera

In-camera software would be provided to support all conventional digitalcamera functions, and including the stereo related functions, such asfocus distance, depth-of field calculations and DOF bar, L/R/Both imageselection, format, resolution, etc. Image selection for viewing oradding to a slide show is included.

B. Computer Still Photo Software

Software for editing still photos would be similar to existingprofessional level photo editing software with the following additionalfeatures related to stereo effects.

The software will include the ability to show both left and right imageson the screen (standard side-by-side, and over/under format) and theability to select left, right, or both images for editing. Other viewingformats would include interlaced, gray anaglyph, color anaglyph, LCD andpage-flip. General editing will be conducted on one image, butsimultaneously recorded on the other image, whether visible on thecomputer screen or not. Provisions to override this feature for specificapplications would be included. Software instructions would recognizethe subtle differences between the left and right images, because of thelens separation.

Editing that effects the entire image, such as brightness, contrast,intensity, equalization, color balance, gamma,hue/saturation/brightness, replace colors, sharpen, etc, will beperformed on either individual image, but default matched by number onthe other image, which can be changed if desired. The software forediting that effects only a portion of the image, such as masking,cloning, erasing, painting, etc. will allow for effect to be offset bythe pixel differences between the image pairs, but performed on both atthe same time. Because of the differences between the left and rightimage, the software will make allowances for effects not be performedequally on each image. Cropping will be performed on both images in thesame proportion.

Horizontal and vertical alignment will be automatic or manual using aidssuch as an alignment grid and edge detection techniques. Horizontalalignment also controls the window position (see next paragraph).Individual images may be rotated to correct exposure errors, or forspecial effects.

The software will include provisions for window control. Stereo has theillusion of viewing the scene through a window. By that, your left eyewill see things at the right edge of the scene that the right eye doesnot, and conversely, the right eye will see things at the left edge ofthe scene that left eye does not. This is the window effect, caused bythe offset of the two lenses in the camera. Without moving the window,left and right images that are moved closer together, make the sceneappear to be closer to the window. Conversely, left and right imagesthat are moved farther apart, make the scene appear to move away fromthe window. Another way to look at it, without moving the scene images,moving the windows closer together the scene will appear to be fartherback, or away, from the window. Conversely, again, moving the windowsfarther apart the scene will appear to be closer to the window, or evenin front of the window. This technique is often used to pull an objectcloser to or even through the window. To use this feature, a bit of thescene width will be sacrificed. When you move a window, without movingthe scene, a small portion of the scene would be lost and on the otherside, a blank area will appear. When moving a window, both image windowswould automatically be shrunk to compensate for this. It is likecropping without removing the area outside the crop. Basic windowcontrol will be accomplished by selecting a point on the image thatwould appear to be located at the window depth.

All adjustments would be performed manually or automatically in a 3Dview by use of keyboard arrows (up/down and left/right), or a mousedevice.

Text can be added as an object and will include a selection of apparentdepth, i.e. none (in the same plane as the nearest object), deeper (textwill appear back of the nearest object), or closer (text will appear infront of the apparent image). The text apparent depth, location andsize, color, shadow, etc. will be editable as an object or a layer andseen in a 3D view.

Extra wide panoramic photos taken by swinging the camera about ⅔ of aview between exposures will be combined into a single panoramic stereoview using the stitching capability. For very wide photos, viewing mayhave to be by anaglyph, TV or projection techniques.

C. Printing Software

Software for printing photos would be similar to existing professionallevel photo editing software. Here we have the best of all worlds,printing 2D photos just like any standard digital system, or 3D stereopairs that can be viewed in several ways. The following additionalfeatures are related to stereo effects.

Free-viewing. For viewing printed (or computer screen) stereo pairswithout any optical aids. This is commonly referred to as parallel orcross-eyed viewing. The center-to-center distance of the two images isapproximately 2.5 inches or less. For the parallel viewing, left imagesare placed on the left and right images are placed on the right andclose together. The eyes should be focused at infinity (i.e. parallel)or a distant object (the eyes should not converge as if viewing a nearbyobject) such as that the left eye sees the left image and conversely theright eye sees the right image. Actually three images will appear andthe center one is the stereo view. For cross-eye viewing, the left imageis placed on the right side and the right image is placed on the left.To view, one must cross their eyes to see the stereo effect. Thesoftware will provide for selecting either technique as desired.

Optical Viewer. There are several optical viewers available on the openmarket for viewing side-by-side printed stereo pairs. Of olden times,the stereoscope is still very popular. By selecting the stereoscopeformat, the software will automatically set up the image pairs forprinting. The software will also provide printed pair adjustments tocontrol the image size, center-to-center separation, and window locationas described above. The stereoscope format, commonly called the Holmesformat is unique. The format is square or rounded corners and with orwithout the often preferred curved (dome) top side of each image. Thesoftware will provide this format selection. Text addition features willinclude font, color, and location control. Background color and photocolor (i.e. natural, sepia, color tone, etc) will be selectable.

Anaglyph. This is a procedure whereby the stereo pairs are made througha red and cyan filters and then printed on top of each other withadjustable separation. The stereo image is viewed by using glasses withred and cyan lenses. The photographic images are processed in the normalway as described above and using the included software. Selecting theanaglyph format will automatically filter the images with the red andcyan and superimpose them on the computer screen. This presentation willbe viewable on a computer screen with the standard red/cyan glasses.Printing capability is included and the printed anaglyph images will beviewed in the same manner.

Included in the anaglyph will be the ability to produce pop-up orphantograms. Pop-ups start with the camera taking a photo of objects ona flat surface such as a table. The angle of the camera to thehorizontal plane is down from 30 to 45 degrees. A tripod and slide baris required to get the proper lens separation. The software modifies theimages to correct alignment errors and to prepare for viewing. Viewingis a very unique procedure. The printed anaglyph photo is placed on ahorizontal surface such as a table. A very large photo may be placed onthe ground or floor. The image is viewed wearing the red/cyan glassesand looking at an angle similar to the camera angle. The images appearto pop up into the air.

Anaglyph photos are an easy to share. The 3D photos can be mailed ore-mailed. All that is needed by the recipient is relatively cheapred/cyan glasses.

VIII. DVD Player and VCR

Any standard DVD Player or VCR, when equipped with a 3D TV Box such asX3D TV Box manufactured by X3D Technologies, would be used to play the3D images on a TV. A standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV is required forcurrent technologies. Viewing stereo images in a sequence is commonlycalled a slide-show (from the film format). Software for creating theslide-show and copying to a VHS tape or a DVD is included.

IX. Accessories

A. Slide Bar

This device would be used for hypostereo and hyperstereo photos. It musthave a tripod attachment insert on the bottom and a camera attachment onthe top for interfacing with these items. The device would allowadjustment (sliding) of the top section (with camera) left and right ofcenter. The left and right images are taken separately (non-movingsubject) using the slide bar to locate the lens separation. A measuringscale, in inches or centimeters, would be provided to accurately adjustthe lens separation. It would have a center marking “0” and inch marksplus and minus from the zero point. In a preferred embodiment, the totaladjustment would be approximately 6 to 8 inches (3 to 4 inches left andright of center). A built-in retractable scale in inches and centimetersup to about 36 inches long, would be desirable.

B. Tripod

A conventional standard tripod is included in the system.

C. Viewing Glasses

Devices for viewing 3D images on a computer screen, prints, or astandard TV is included in the system. Several commercial viewers areavailable, including the following:

Red/Cyan glasses for viewing anaglyph prints or computer screen anaglyphimages. Conventional commercial glasses are available for this purpose.

Polarized glasses for viewing projected stereo. Conventional commercialglasses are available for this purpose.

Liquid crystal shutter glasses for viewing 3D images on a standard TV.

D. Projector Screen

A standard lenticular screen can be used with 3D photos and moviesprojected with polarized filters in front of the lenses and polarizedglasses worn by the viewers.

One can also fashion a home version using large sheets of white paperattached to a wooden frame.

Now that a general overview of the components and system of the presentinvention has been introduced above, the following description refers tothe specific drawings which embody those components and operationalfeatures.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the camera in a typical configuration andidentifies all the controls and design characteristics.

FIG. 3 illustrates the viewer attachment view from the users side. Theviewer would be configured to match up with the LCDs of the camera andeasily attach.

FIG. 4 illustrates the hand held viewer and identifies all the controlsand design characteristics. The back is similar to the camera, andcontains only that electronics needed for viewing images. Viewing can beby the unaided eyes or with the viewer attachment.

The Digital Stereo Photographic System components will be used in avariety of operational modes. These modes are defined as: 1) Camera SetUp, 2) Capture, 3) Computer Editing/Viewing, 4) Viewing in camera andhand held viewer, 5) Viewing on TV and 6) Viewing by Projection.

FIG. 5 illustrates the camera set up mode. This is the interface withall menu functions. Pressing the menu button 8 accesses the menu and thenavigation buttons 7 are used to search through the menu to access thedesired functions. The menu and data is processed by the displayinformation unit 37 and displayed on the left and/or right LCD 30L and30R.

FIG. 6 illustrates the camera capture mode. The camera is powered byinternal batteries or an external power supply. Power is enabled bypressing the power button 1. This action supplies power to allmechanical and electronic units in the camera and extends the retractedlenses. The capture mode dial 2 is rotated to select the photographicstyle (3D, 2D, Movie or Filtered). All styles are 3 dimensional except2D. The 3D style is described herein. For easy 3D viewing before andduring exposure the viewer attachment may be in place on the camera.Light rays from the object would enter the left and right lens 13L and13R and be projected onto the charge coupled Devices (CCDs) 27L and 27R.The formed image data is processed by the image processing units 28L and28R, then sent to the image storage units 29L and 29R and to the LiquidCrystal Displays (LCDs) 30L and 30R for viewing in the camera directlyor through the viewer attachment 51. Pressing the shutter button 3 halfway enables the zoom control unit 33, the exposure control unit 34, thefocus unit 35 and the iris control unit 36.

If zooming is desired, the zoom button 33 is rotated to activate. Thefocus control unit 35 performs focusing automatically unless thefocus/DOF lever 4 is rotated for manual control. If focusing or changingthe depth of field (DOF), the focus/DOF lever 4 is rotated activatingthe focus/DOF unit 38 and focus control unit 35. Exposure (shutterspeed) is selected automatically by the exposure control unit 34, unlessmanual or shutter priority is selected from the menu. Iris opening isperformed automatically by the iris control unit 36 unless manual oraperture priority is selected from the menu. When the image issatisfactory, the shutter button is pressed again all the way toactivate the shutter. The image storage units format the images andassociated significant data and stores it in the removable memory card32. The associated data includes exposure information (i.e. shutterspeed and f stop), date, time, capture number, ISO, and quality level.

Audio may added to each mage, prior to exposure or after capture. Theaudio button 6 is pressed initially to enable the audio function, powerup the amplifier 39 and to display “AUDIO ENABLED—PRESS TO START” on theLCD 30R. Pressing the audio button 6 again will start the recording anddisplay, on the LCD 30R a countdown of the remaining time. Afterrecording, “PRESS TO PLAY AUDIO” will be displayed on the LCD 30R forseveral seconds and pressing the button will play the audio. If notsatisfied with the results, the process can be repeated, overwriting theprevious recording. If recorded prior to exposure, the audio is saved onthe removable memory card 32 with the next captured image. To recordafter capture, the display button 9 is pressed and the desired imageselected with the navigation buttons 7 (as shown in FIG. 8), followed bythe above procedure. Audio may also be added in a computer whileediting.

Flash illumination may be selected by the menu to be on always, or asneeded, using the internal flash unit 23 or an external flash attachedto the hot shoe 20 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). The duration of theinternal flash is controlled by flash unit 21, measuring the light withthe flash light sensor.

Viewing the image before capture may be done three ways—direct with youreye in the LCDs 30L and 30R or in 3D with the viewer attachment 51, andin addition with the viewfinder 12 (2 dimensional only).

FIG. 7 illustrates the computer editing and viewing mode. Images on theremovable memory card 32 may be downloaded to the computer 40 via areader/writer device. The camera also includes an Audio/Video (A/V) port17 and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) 16 that can be used with propercabling to download to the computer 40. The computer 40 is used todisplay images on the monitor 44, and to edit images using software, thekeyboard 41 and/or a mouse 42. The images may be viewed by eye on themonitor in 2 dimensions or in 3D using a viewing device or specialglasses 45. or on a 3D computer/monitor such as the Sharp RD3D with theunaided eye. The software can also be used to create “slide shows” (aterm from the film days) to assemble images into a sequence forpresentation to viewers. The software provides the capability ofuploading images or slide shows to a removable memory card, which can beinserted into the camera, the handheld viewer or a reader/writer deviceattached to another computer. Images or slide shows may be recorded onto a DVD disc via the computer DVD recorder 43 or on to a VHS tape usingsoftware that creates still images, in a movie format, alternatingbetween left and right images.

FIG. 8 illustrates the viewing mode in the camera or in the handheldviewer. The removable memory card 32 is inserted into either device.Pressing the display button 9 enables the image display. The playbackunit 52 processes the data from the card and displays the images on theLCDs 30L and 30R. Selection of the desired image is performed with thenavigation buttons. Undesirable images may be removed from the memorycard with the delete button 10. Images may be viewed individually or(when selected via the menu) in a slide show. If audio had been added,it will be heard in the speakers 23. Audio can also be added to theselected image in the hand held viewer. The images are viewed in 3D byusing the viewer attachment 51 that works with the camera or thehandheld viewer. Focusing is performed by rotating the focus knob 27.Interocular adjustment for eye separation is performed by rotating thelever 26.

FIG. 9 illustrates the TV viewing mode. A DVD disc prepared as shown inFIG. 7 is inserted into an external standard DVD player or a VHS tape isinserted into an external standard Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). TheDVD player or the VCR sends Audio/Video signals through an InfraredSynchronizing device 48 to a standard TV 47. This synchronizing devicesenses the alternating left and right images and sends an infraredsignal to Liquid Crystal Shutter (LCS) glasses 49. The LCS glasses allowthe TV image to pass through to the eyes or be blocked in synch with thealternating left and right images.

FIG. 10 illustrates the projection mode that can be used for large orsmall audiences. Images saved or recorded to a removable memory card 32or a DVD disc are downloaded to a computer or played through a computer.The left and right images are sent to a 3D digital projector or to two2D digital projectors which in turn project the images onto a lenticularor flat panel screen. The projectors are fitted with polarized filtersand polarized viewing glasses must be worn by the observers.

FIG. 11 illustrates typical LCD 30L and 30R views in the Depth of Field(DOF) mode. With the viewer attachment 51 in place this view would be in3 dimensions. In the DOF or Auto/DOF mode pressing the shutter button 3half-way enables the capture mode. Moving the focus DOF lever 4 enablesthe DOF view. Rotating the DOF lever 4 will display thedistance-from-camera scale, the DOF range and the focus distance. Inaddition, alignment lines will show to aid in aligning the photo. Whenthe camera has automatically or manually focused an indication willappear. Other information displayed includes the date and time, imagenumber, number of images remaining on the removable memory card 32,battery condition, f stop, and shutter speed.

FIG. 12 illustrates typical LCD 30L and 30R views in the Capture orPhoto mode. This view is present after focusing or setting the DOF, andin the automatic focus/DOF mode. If the image is not in focus, a pair ofparentheses in red appear. When the camera is focused manually orautomatically, the parentheses change to green and moved closertogether. The camera is now ready for exposure. Other informationdisplayed includes image number, number of images remaining, f stop,shutter speed and battery status. Pressing the shutter button 3 again orfully captures the image and saves it on the removable memory card 32.

1. A method of operating a stand-alone digital camera capable of takingthree dimensional as well as two dimensional photographs, the camerahaving a pair of identical and linked lenses, a means for capturing animage through each lens, a liquid crystal display linked to each meansfor capturing an image through each lens, a means for capturing,storing, and retrieving sound, and a means for storing and retrieving acaptured image, the method comprising the steps of: positioning thecamera at a first position; selecting left only lens or right only lens;capturing a first image through the selected lens; selecting theopposite lens; moving the camera a distance to a second position;capturing a second image through the selected lens; displaying thecaptured images on the liquid crystal display; saving or deleting thefirst image, the second image, or both.
 2. The method of operating thecamera of claim 1, comprising the additional step of moving the camerato a third position to recapture the first image or the second image. 3.The method of operating the camera of claim 1, wherein the camera ismoved in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or both aftercapturing the first image.
 4. The method of operating the camera ofclaim 1, wherein the camera further comprises a means for capturing,storing, and retrieving sound, the method comprising the additionalsteps of: enabling audio capture; linking audio capture to capturing thefirst age, the second image, or both; capturing audio while capturingthe first image, the second image, or both; reviewing the capturedaudio; saving or deleting the captured audio.
 5. The method of operatingthe camera of claim 1, wherein the camera further comprises a fightsensor and a flash unit, the method comprising the additional steps of:initiating a flash of light from the flash unit; measuring the flash offight from the flash unit with the light sensor; and adjusting theduration of the flash of light from the flash unit based on the amountof light measured with the light sensor.
 6. The method of operating thecamera of claim 1, wherein the camera further comprises an audio button,the method comprising the additional steps of: activating the audiobutton to enable the means for capturing, storing, and retrieving sound;starting the recording of audio; displaying a countdown timer forrecording time remaining; stopping the recording of audio; displaying aselection to play the recorded audio; and selecting the selection toplay the recorded audio.
 7. The method of operating the camera of claim6, the method comprising the additional steps of: capturing an imageafter recording audio; and saving the recorded audio simultaneously withthe captured image.
 8. The method of operating the camera of claim 6,the method comprising the additional steps of: capturing an image beforerecording audio; and selecting the captured image to add audio.
 9. Themethod of operating the camera of claim 1, further comprising imageediting software on a computer, the method comprising the additionalstep of adding audio to a captured image using the image editingsoftware on a computer.
 10. The method of operating the camera of claim1, the method comprising the additional steps of: identifying aplurality of images; and assembling the plurality of images into asequence for presentation to viewers.
 11. The method of operating thecamera of claim 10, further comprising a means for recording ontomagnetic tape or optical disk, the method comprising the additional stepof recording the assembly of the plurality of images onto magnetic tapeor an optical disk.